Darlington sign Huddersfield Town midfielder Atkinson

Atkinson made three appearances for Huddersfield last season

Blue Square Bet Premier side Darlington have signed Huddersfield Town midfielder Chris Atkinson on a six-month loan deal.

The 19-year-old made his first-team debut against Macclesfield Town in last season's FA Cup, one of three appearances for the League One side.

"Chris is very highly-rated by Lee Clark," manager Mark Cooper told the club website.

"He wants him to go out and get some match experience at a decent level."

Cooper added: "There was only a couple of Conference clubs he'd allow him to join, and we were one of them, so we're grateful for that.

"We have a quality midfielder who's tall, athletic, very mobile, loves a tackle and can nick a goal."

Atkinson joined the club academy at the age of seven and progressed through the youth and reserve team ranks with the Terriers to earn a professional deal which was extended earlier this summer.

"I've explained how highly I rate Chris Atkinson many times during the course of last season and feel that now is the right time to allow him some time out on loan," Terriers boss Lee Clark told the club website.

"We will keep tabs on Chris' progression throughout his six months at Darlington and compile a dossier.

"When he returns in January we will have a good idea of where he is and what his next step should be."